By GEMMA BROWN

Last updated at 10:10, Friday, 12 March 2010

A PONTELAND middle school has been awarded top marks by Ofsted.

Spelling it out: Pupils at Richard Coates Church of England Middle School celebrate the Ofsted report with headteacher Paul Rusby.

Richard Coates Church of England Middle School was judged to be outstanding by inspectors in a rigorous two-day inspection.

The report describes the Ponteland school as an “outstanding school” and goes on to say that the school “exudes a vibrant and positive ethos which is firmly rooted in its Christian values.”

The inspectors made particular mention of the “excellent behaviour” of the pupils and “high aspirations” that the teachers have for their pupils.

The school’s safeguarding procedures are described by Ofsted as being “exemplary in the meticulous way they are implemented.”

The report noted that: “This outstanding school has made excellent progress since the previous inspection.”

Headteacher Paul Rusby said that he was delighted the school had been awarded the highest possible Ofsted grade.

He said: “This report is a direct result of a fantastic whole team effort. We are very blessed to have such motivated and caring pupils and a wonderful team of extremely dedicated and hard working staff and governors.”

Mr Rusby also paid tribute to the extremely supportive parents who work in partnership with the school to ensure the best possible support and guidance for all the pupils.

He added: “At the heart of our school ethos is the belief that everyone in our school has been blessed with many gifts and talents and we seek to give all our pupils the opportunities and encouragement make full use of the gifts they have been given.”

First published at 09:41, Friday, 12 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk